VWB Blog It’s that time of year again: the snow is coming down, and homeowners everywhere are rushing to shovel their driveways and clear their roofs. While it’s important to take precautions against the cold and the wet, it’s also crucial to remember that too much snow can cause severe damage to your home. This article will give seven tips to help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from snow damage.
Keep an Eye on The Forecast
One of the most important things you can do to protect your home from snow damage is to keep an eye on the forecast. Pay attention to any warnings or advisories issued for your area, and take steps to prepare in advance. If you know a winter storm is coming, clear any snow and ice from your sidewalks and driveway.
This will help prevent accidents and injuries and reduce the melting snow that can seep into your home. In addition, take the time to trim branches that could fall and damage your roof or windows.
Shovel Regularly
Suppose you live in an area that experiences regular snowfall, shoveling your sidewalks and driveway regularly to prevent snow damage to your home. Snow can cause several problems for your home, including water damage, mold growth, and structural damage.
By Shoveling regularly, you can help prevent these problems by keeping the snow away from your foundation and walls. In addition, shoveling also helps to keep your walkways and driveways clear, making it easier for you and your guests to get around during the winter months.
Repair Your Roof
A roof is an essential piece of your property that protects it. By removing snow and ice from your roof, you can help to prevent leaks and other damage that can occur when the weight of the snow causes your roof to buckle.
The material of the roof is also vital. Choose durable metal roofing as it can resist damage from the snow. Select a provider who can get you durable raw metals and offer the best craftsmanship to build metal roofing. Moreover, the provider can also help you with the design and look of the roofing for a customized product.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Heavy snowfall can cause roofs to collapse, and ice dams can form, resulting in severe water damage. One way to help protect your home from winter weather damage is to clear gutters and downspouts before the first snowfall.
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, creating an ice dam that can prevent melting snow from draining properly. In addition, trapped water can seep under shingles and into the roof structure, causing serious damage.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Spending an afternoon trimming trees and shrubs around your home may not be the most exciting way to spend a Saturday, but it can help to protect your property from damage during a winter storm. Heavy snowfall can cause tree branches to snap, and these falling limbs can cause serious damage to roofs, windows, and cars. By trimming back any dead or overhanging branches, you can help to reduce the risk of snow-related damage.
In addition, it is a good idea to clear away any debris such as leaves and twigs that could clog gutters and downspouts, causing them to collapse under the weight of the snow.
Apply Ice Melt
Applying ice melt is one way to protect your home from snow damage. This product is designed to lower the freezing point of water, making it less likely to form ice crystals. Ice melt can also help to prevent the formation of icicles, which can be dangerous if they fall from your roof. In addition, ice melt can make it easier to shovel snow, reducing the risk of back strain or injury.
When applying ice melt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some products are safe for use on concrete, while others can damage surfaces such as asphalt or stone. In addition, be careful not to apply too much ice melt, as this can also cause damage.
Be Careful When Using a Snowblower
While snow blowers can be a big help when removing snow, they can also cause damage to your home if you’re not careful. The biggest danger is that the blades can throw rocks and other debris, breaking windows or damaging the siding. To avoid this, keep the snowblower away from your house and ensure you only use it on level ground.
In addition, be careful not to overfill the snowblower, as this can lead to clogs and jams. Following these simple tips can help protect your home from snow damage this winter.
Taking a few simple steps to prepare your home for winter weather can help to protect it from damage. Clearing gutters and downspouts, trimming trees and shrubs, and applying ice melt can help reduce the risk of snow-related damage. In addition, be careful when using a snowblower, and keep it away from your house.